2026: Week 12 - Banking hubs, Shanty Festival and Resident Doctor strikes

In this last week before Easter recess I have spoken in a debate about Public Baths and Lidos, highlighting the importance of these facilities in our local areas. It is heartening to see that Teignbridge has reversed its decision and will now open the Teignmouth Lido this summer; and will work alongside the Teignmouth Lido Community Trust to run it.  Teignbridge Council is actively recruiting for lifeguards and supervisors now, if you are interested head over to their website!

I was delighted to be invited to the official opening of the new Banking Hub in Dawlish last week. This is a fantastic community facility that is desperately needed as there are no bank branches in Dawlish.  The Hub, run by Cash Access UK and the Post Office, offers a counter service Monday – Friday where customers can carry out regular cash transactions, much as they would at a regular bank branch.  They also offer a community banker service where representatives from some of the major banks attend on specific days so customers can talk to their own bank about more complex issues.  You can find out which banks are represented at the Dawlish Hub on the cash access website. Thanks go to Dawlish Town Council and Dawlish Chamber of Trade who have campaigned tirelessly for this vital community service.

Last weekend saw the Annual Cockwood Shanty Festival, full of vibrant and entertaining music across venues in Cockwood, Cofton and Starcross.  Over the past 4 years the event has grown to a must-attend festival, with bands travelling from across the country to perform.  The festival is organised by a hard working and dedicated group of volunteers. The bands all perform for free and it supports the local area, including hospitality venues and community and volunteer organisations. It is a privilege to live in and represent such a fantastic area that offers wonderful free events such as this, for me the Shanty Festival heralds the start of the summer and many more fun activities to come!  If you would like me highlight your event please do let me know about it at martin.wrigley.mp@parliament.uk.

Finally, I’m disappointed to see that Resident Doctors have announced further strike action after talks have broken down with the Government.  They are planning a 6 day walk out to take place after the Easter weekend. 

We all know that the previous government left our NHS on its knees, with all staff groups working under increased pressure. However, we also know how difficult the public finances are after years of Conservative mismanagement, and we recognise that a 26% increase, on top of the 27% they have already been awarded over the past 3 years is not affordable or realistic. Sadly this action is symptomatic of an NHS where trust has broken down and where doctors and patients feel little hope that things are getting better. If we are to end these relentless strikes, the government needs to tackle the misery faced by doctors and patients - from collapsing wards to scandalous corridor care. We agree that massive pay hikes are not the answer - but that means genuinely improving the conditions in our hospitals and our communities.